Get Into The Groove
A few months ago, I posted about the importance of routines for young children, and tips to get children into a routine. (This blog needs to be routinely updated, no pun intended) Large groups of children have personalities that feed off each other, each child adding their own charm to a chaotic classroom. I use the term chaotic here to describe the noise, energy and activity level of the average early childhood classroom. Some think that toddlers (12-24 months) do not need routine, however, this is essential starting at this age, as routines are part of older classrooms, especially formal schooling. Not all children react the same way to a routine, especially those with special needs, and it is those times that a teacher feels overwhelmed, struggling with a child who resists certain things, such as a transition or other activity. Add the lesson plan and other classroom projects and a teacher may feel like they have no time, which indeed they don't. There never seems to be enough time to complete anything: when you do this, then that needs to be done, or that needs to be done too.
Think working in a preschool classroom is easy? For those of you who have never worked with young children, it's not as easy as it looks. Especially when you are a single teacher without an assistant. You are the one person doing everything, from bulletin boards, to lesson plans, to child files, to organization and labelling.
You never get a moment to sit down. I don't.
Since January, I have been working in a preschool classroom, and we are now finding our groove. There has been a routine implemented, which the children responded well too, but there was a challenge from children demonstrating undesirable behaviors. One was resisting diaper changes, screaming for an hour about dressing himself for outside time and screaming in the bathroom about the fact that he couldn't take off wet pants after an accident. He scratched me, threw a chair when I asked him to stop doing something and even demonstrated aggressive behaviors toward others. His behavior affected the rest of the class, because all of my energy was directed toward him.
So now the classroom is zen and flows peacefully. Of course they may have the volume down on their listening ears but we are getting into a groove. Dance parties are their favorite, and they love "Groove Is In The Heart". I'm also getting into my own personal groove as well. Young children move fast and get bored easily. This is why teachers need to move fast and think quickly. I'm used to moving fast myself, and I find myself never taking the time to breathe. Like I have to do everything at once. Like the gallon of milk a four year old recently dropped on the floor. I didn't see what happened, as I was occupied with something else. I have children running everywhere, milk on the floor and lunch needing to be served. It was a simple accident, yet my fast moving, over dramatic mind made it more than what it needed to be.
When we sing, we take breaths according to the notes and melody. Exercising involves inhaling and exhaling. Sometimes I forget to breathe when I sing, and it comes out sounding weird, or I forget to breathe during exercise.
Now I just have to remember to breathe and relax, knowing that it's ok if I have a to do list that doesn't get done. It will get done eventually.
Think working in a preschool classroom is easy? For those of you who have never worked with young children, it's not as easy as it looks. Especially when you are a single teacher without an assistant. You are the one person doing everything, from bulletin boards, to lesson plans, to child files, to organization and labelling.
You never get a moment to sit down. I don't.
Since January, I have been working in a preschool classroom, and we are now finding our groove. There has been a routine implemented, which the children responded well too, but there was a challenge from children demonstrating undesirable behaviors. One was resisting diaper changes, screaming for an hour about dressing himself for outside time and screaming in the bathroom about the fact that he couldn't take off wet pants after an accident. He scratched me, threw a chair when I asked him to stop doing something and even demonstrated aggressive behaviors toward others. His behavior affected the rest of the class, because all of my energy was directed toward him.
So now the classroom is zen and flows peacefully. Of course they may have the volume down on their listening ears but we are getting into a groove. Dance parties are their favorite, and they love "Groove Is In The Heart". I'm also getting into my own personal groove as well. Young children move fast and get bored easily. This is why teachers need to move fast and think quickly. I'm used to moving fast myself, and I find myself never taking the time to breathe. Like I have to do everything at once. Like the gallon of milk a four year old recently dropped on the floor. I didn't see what happened, as I was occupied with something else. I have children running everywhere, milk on the floor and lunch needing to be served. It was a simple accident, yet my fast moving, over dramatic mind made it more than what it needed to be.
When we sing, we take breaths according to the notes and melody. Exercising involves inhaling and exhaling. Sometimes I forget to breathe when I sing, and it comes out sounding weird, or I forget to breathe during exercise.
Now I just have to remember to breathe and relax, knowing that it's ok if I have a to do list that doesn't get done. It will get done eventually.
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